Patrick Thompson was born in Huntington, W.Va., and has lived in Georgia for the last 20 years, currently residing in Roswell. He received a bachelor's degree in biology and psychology from the University of Mary Washington.

Thompson is director of mobility consulting for AT&T in Atlanta. He is also a part owner in three alternative energy companies that are involved in engineering, financing and manufacturing of solar products.

Thompson and his wife, Lorraine, have two children.

Patrick Thompson, a sales manager from Roswell, was uncontested in the August 2012 Democratic primary for Georgia's 11th Congressional District, which includes the metro Atlanta suburbs of Marietta, Sandy Springs and Roswell.

He will face U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey in the November general election.

Thompson wants to end outsourcing of jobs and increase the availability of training programs through apprenticeships and full support of such programs as the G.I. Bill, Pell grants and Stafford loans.

Drawing from his background in alternative energy, Thompson believes investing in renewable energy production will promote job growth in the state.

Thompson has been critical of the budget plan put forward by Republican U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, now the vice presidential nominee. "This is the plan that weakens social programs for the poor and middle class, while maintaining the reduction in taxes for the wealthiest individuals and companies in America," Thompson wrote on his website.

Thompson expressed support for President Barack Obama's deferred action policy that allows some young illegal immigrants to avoid deportation by obtaining temporary work permits. "These young people have done nothing wrong," Thompson wrote on his website. "A pathway to legal status is a good solution. These young people can be productive, continue their education, or serve in the military. They are investing themselves in our nation and its future. I believe these students and workers will help our struggling economy."